ARL introduce the Ron Ackland Medal

The Auckland Rugby
League have announced the introduction of the Ron Ackland
Medal, which will be awarded to the best and fairest player
in the ARL under-17 grand final every year.

The medal will
be given out following this Saturday’s under-17 grand
final between Marist and Glenora, which kicks off at 9.25am
at Trusts Stadium.

In honour of the late Ron Ackland, the
medal has been donated by the Ex Kiwis Association and will
be presented by Ackland’s former teammate Brian
Reidy.

Auckland Rugby League CEO John Ackland said it was
fitting that the award be given to the most-outstanding
player on the field in a competition as strong and
well-contested as the under-17s.

“The fact that
Ronnie’s medal will go to the player who not only
showcases the most skill and effort on the field, but also
sportsmanship, is very appropriate,” Ackland said about
the medal which carries the name of his uncle.

“This
season the under-17 competition has been of a high quality
and some great football has been played.”

Ron Ackland
debuted for the Auckland representative side in 1954,
scoring three tries in a 35-15 defeat of Canterbury.

He
went on to give years of service to the Auckland game as
both a player and coach.

Ackland also played 18 Tests for
the Kiwis, captained his country in 1961 and is a member of
the New Zealand Team of the
Century.

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